Animal Planet is asking the big question that’s provoking passionate debate as the big game approaches…”Ruff or Fluff?” It’s going to be a battle for cuteness and barking rights, as “Team Ruff” and “Team Fluff” play for keeps in a winner-take-all battle featuring competitive scoring for the very first time in PUPPY BOWL history! Premiering on Super Bowl Sunday, the all-star, all-adorable cast makes its furry, two-hour debut on Animal PlanetSunday, Feb. 1 at 3 p.m. ET/ 12 p.m. PT. This year’s 55-puppy lineup runs back-to-back all day and night with the sweetest puppies competing for the famed title of Bissell® MVP (Most Valuable Puppy). The lovable on-all-fours event is Animal Planet’s cuddly alternative programming to the NFL’s Super Bowl.
A new scoreboard provides fans with real-time updates while giggling goat cheerleaders take to the gridiron to cheer on the puppy “maaadness.” But precious puppies aren’t the only attraction at this year’s big game! Dan Schachner returns for his fourth year as fan-favourite “rufferee” to call the puppy penalties, tackles, and touchdowns. Sideline reporter “Meep the Bird” is back on his perch to tweet live updates and commentary throughout the big game. Fans can follow @MeepTheBird to catch the latest news, puppy drama, and locker room moments from inside the stadium. Viewers won’t miss a minute of excitement with aerial shots of the field and an impressive air show from hamsters piloting the new Twizzlers biplane.
If viewers aren’t in the mood for Katy Perry but still want to see fireworks, Animal Planet’s own “KATTY FURRY” takes center stage in an all-new edition of the Bissell® KITTY HALF-TIME SHOW, as felines on the sidelines attempt to put on a show of their own, leading to total kitty mayhem!
As always, fans can witness the cutest close-up shots with PUPPY BOWL‘s iconic water bowl cam, slow motion “Too Cute” cam, and kiss cam. Outside the stadium, canine fans without tickets can claim their spots in the “barking lot” at a brand-new tailgate party. Lil BUB returns to check in during the game, and viewers can follow some of their favourite four-legged players for an inside look at their journey to the field in “Pup Close and Personal” segments and adoption updates.
All of the precious puppies featured in Animal Planet’s PUPPY BOWL special come from SPCAs, shelters, and pet rescue centres from across the U.S. Canadians interested in adopting from a shelter in their area can visit a local SPCA for more information.
The canine-extravaganza continues on Animal Planet in February with the LIVE premiere of the prestigious WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB 139th ANNUAL DOG SHOW. The two-day, all-breeds show premieres Monday, Feb. 16 and Tuesday, Feb.17 at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT on Animal Planet. The encore presentation premieres on Discovery Saturday, Feb. 21 and Sunday, Feb. 22 at 12 p.m. ET/ 9 a.m. PT.
